2005 Lotus Exige vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Elise would be higher. Both 2005 Lotus Exige and 2003 Lotus Elise are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Lotus Exige (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Exige | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 31 L |
